Plein Air Art comes to Meeker on Aug. 15-23

MEEKER I Meeker will host the second annual Plein Air Art Competition in late August this year. This competition draws artists from around Colorado who will paint “en plein air” within a 50 mile radius of downtown Meeker, creating spectacular paintings from our picturesque surroundings.
“En plein air” is a French phrase that means “in the open air” and is used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Working in natural light to complete a painting on location has inspired many artists.
Schedule of events:
Paint-out dates will be Aug. 12-23. All entries must be turned in by noon on Aug. 23. The art exhibit will be held at the Upstairs Gallery.
There will be a Purchase Patron Champagne Social and Artists’ Reception from 6 to 7 p.m. that evening. Following the Purchase Patron Social, the public is invited to view the art exhibit and participate in the Artist Meet and Greet Session from 7 to 9 p.m. During this time, a silent auction for all entries will begin.
The silent auction will open on Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There also will be a quick-draw contest from 10 a.m. to noon at Circle Park, where the public is welcome to come and watch the artists at work. Quick-draw art will be up for silent auction from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This year’s judge, Bev Lee, will be holding a free painting demonstration at Circle Park from 1 to 2 p.m. Lee will also have a display of her artwork at the exhibit.
Award winers and silent auction winners will be awarded at 2:30 p.m. at The Upstairs Gallery.
The Meeker Chamber of Commerce is seeking businesses and individuals who would like to become purchase patrons for the event. Purchase patrons agree to spend $250 on artwork submitted by Plein Air Meeker 2013 artists.
With this, purchase patrons get the opportunity to attend a special champagne social and artists reception, preview and purchase artwork prior to the exhibit opening up to the public and the silent auction, have a purchase patron ribbon placed on artwork purchased, build a Meeker-inspired art collection and have their logo and/or name on the Plein Air Meeker 2013 event page at www.MeekerChamber.com.
The Meeker Chamber of Commerce would like to encourage everyone to attend this unique art exhibit and silent auction. This is a great way to build a one-of-a-kind art collection inspired by Meeker and view captivating pieces of artwork.
For more information about the event or to become a purchase patron or an artist in the event, contact the Meeker Chamber of Commerce at 970-878-5510.